The site for writers of all genre, and the readers who love them.  Find what you want to know.

By: Jane Friedman

It’s probably the single most despised document you might be asked to prepare: the synopsis. The synopsis is sometimes required because an agent or publisher wants to see, from beginning to end, what happens in your story. Thus, the synopsis must convey a book’s entire narrative arc. It shows what happens and who changes, and it has to reveal the ending.

Don’t confuse the synopsis with sales copy—the kind of material that might appear on your back cover or in an Amazon description. You’re not writing a punchy marketing piece for readers that builds excitement. It’s not an editorial about your book.

Unfortunately, there is no single “right” way to write a synopsis. You’ll find conflicting advice about the appropriate length, which makes it rather confusing territory for new writers especially. However, I recommend keeping it short, or at least starting short. Write a one-page synopsis—about 500-600 words, single spaced—and use that as your default, unless the submission guidelines ask for something longer. If your synopsis runs longer, anything up to two pages (again, single spaced) is usually acceptable. Most agents/editors will not be interested in a synopsis longer than a few pages.

While this post is geared toward writers of fiction, the same principles can be applied to memoir and other narrative nonfiction works.

Read more…

Using AI Fashion Lookbooks to Storyboard Your Novel’s Emotional Arc

In the world of storytelling, emotional arcs serve as the lifeblood of any compelling narrative. They represent the journey characters undergo, encapsulating their emotional transformations and growth. Emotional arcs are not just about highs and lows; they’re about the nuances that make characters relatable and stories unforgettable. As a writer, understanding these arcs helps you create a resonant narrative that captivates your readers from beginning to end.

Monthly Inspiration

INSPIRATION: A monthly collection of fun or inspiring images collected over the years. They may make you laugh, cry, or get that sudden spark you’ve been looking for.

Ther Sermon Song: A New Genre in Sacred Music

I took notes and turned my notes into notes of song, as I composed a duet which I entitled “Sing to the Lord” ( which has since been published. ) But on the next Sunday, I presented the score to the associate pastor, who is also our choir director, and dedicated it to him. He read it, and on the subsequent Sunday, he arranged for the two of us to sing with his wife accompanying us on the piano.  And thus the sermon song was born.

The Hollywood Screenwriter’s Break-In BluePrint

A Practical Step-by-Step Blueprint for Breaking In to Hollywood. “This book is the only step-by-step guide I’ve read that explains exactly what to do after you finish the script — how to get read, how to get traction, and how to actually break-in. If you’re serious about a career in Hollywood, this book isn’t optional. It’s required.”

News Desert Map

The United States has lost roughly a third of its newspapers since 2005, and the decline hasn’t slowed. According to Northwestern’s 2025 State of Local News report, 213 counties now have no local news source at all, another 1,524 rely on a single outlet, and about 50 million Americans live with limited or no access to local news.

Subscribe

Author Ads

Business Ads

Business Ad

Secret Link